JCB goes one better with the 457S, adding a new model at the top of the firm’s agricultural loading shovel range. We were able to use a 457S to clamp maize.
JCB has a long heritage of making high horsepower, lower weight loading shovels squarely aimed at the agri sector under the iconic Farm Master name — from the 410 in the late 1980s to today’s latest flagship, the monster 457S. Unveiled last year, the 457S is a big unit to meet the demands of equally big foragers when it comes to packing grass and maize.
Aim high
For its agricultural wheeled loaders, JCB does not offer the classic loader boom with central Z-bar linkage; instead it uses the so-called HT boom, with the implement crowd arms sitting above the loader arms for a less interrupted view of the attachment. The manufacturer also claims to achieve a better torque performance with a wider range of attachments than you’d expect to find on an agri machine.
The 457S, with the standard HT boom and 3.1m³ earth bucket, delivers a high break-out force of 16,100daN and then lifts it to a height of 4.30m. With the high-lift arm, this measurement is increased again to a lofty 4.80m. Both of the heights are measured from the pivot pin. This boom configuration also gives a nice view of the mechanical indicators to show the quick-attach locking pins are all the way home. JCB says the articulated tipping load of the new flagship is around 10.5t.
Big boots
To do justice to the higher performance, JCB has fitted the 457S with new heavy-duty axles, sourced from ZF, with a 20-stud hub. This means that tyres such as 710/75 R32 or 800/65 R32 can be accommodated while still keeping the overall width below 3.0m.
For more up-to-date farming news and reviews click here and subscribe now to profi for just £3.99 an issue.
